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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Parisian Chic 2

Just before I traipsed off to Paris I told you about Ines de la Fressange's new book, Parisian Chic. Galeries Lafayette did an homage to Ines and her book (called LA PARISIENNE in the French version). No surprise either. Ines is quite the icon for the French. They even awarded her the presigious Legion d'honneur. All the vitrines/windows were filled with Ines-like mannikins set in classic iconic Parisian spots like Cafe du Flore in St.-Germain du Pres...

'People imagine I am always in a Bentley with pearls and diamonds and black glasses and Karl Lagerfeld next to me. And usually people say, "It is incredible how you look like Inès de la Fressange." And then usually I say, "She is much older, isn't she?" And they say, "Maybe." 'BIG MERCI PBers for being so patient and buying Ines' book when it finally came out. I'm still struggling with the French version and must get a copy in English a toute a suite!

As I was grabbing a pile of black clothes to throw in my suitcase, I had a Parisian Chicepiphany when I noticed I had one of FRENCH GIRL's cardigans in the pile. I took a good long look and it hit me. Such amusing details! Faux leather patches at the elbows! Little brass buttons down the front! Why the heck was my black cardi so plain vanilla blah?

It made perfect sense. This flat bow is adorable on the back of French Girl's Paul Ka jacket non?

And could the details on this skirt be more charmant? Are you getting it too?

A last word from BEAR (who is working like mad on his own Le Bearsian Chic book).

Think CHIC ET PRATIQUE PBers!

And while you're tossing these thoughts around have a petit bouche/little bite of religieuse chocolat why not?

26 comments:

Oh am I ever GETTING IT!Hand me the trash can puleese.I have so much plain vanilla blah in my closet I want to scream!!Or should I get out the thread and needle and add some patches?NON, a trip to Paris is in orderMERCI!

R U KIDDING!The FRENCH are mad for their gardens!How much you forget cherie...Is there a French person on the planet who is not going to be CHIC(actually du classe is the preferred expression) in their jardin?Bien sur!REGARDE!

Though only a short timer on fabulous PB I want you to know it brightens my day when it appears early in the morning. I am an early riser and a smile always crosses my face when viewing the photos and impish commentary. Also, your pictures trigger severe sweet tooth convulsions. LOL!

Because of your recommendation, I did buy Ines' book - in English. It should arrive today from amazon.com and I can't wait to delve into it! While I'm at it, I'll pre-order Bear's book...

Ines' comment about being recognized made me remember playing my harp at an event Saturday. An older man came up to me mid-song and asked if I had ever heard of Amy Kortuem, the harpist. I said I had and smiled at him. He still didn't get it was me! So I said, "I hear she's exceptional - a real artist." And he agreed and walked away, STILL not getting that I was Amy Kortuem! ha!

I love your blog! I will be visiting Paris for 2 weeks in May. I've spent a lot of time researching what to wear, but cannot find anything on what to wear in Spring.Do they wear tall black leather boots in Spring? I'd like to pack lightly but still want to be able to mix and match and be fashionable :)

I'm sorry you feel that way Mimi..Most of the restaurants she mentions are are quite casual and fun - not the serious 3-star $$$ placesBut if you're going to write a guide to Paris you have to include food and restaurants don't you think?

Everyone worries too much about what to take to Paris.But it's so much better to travel light and wait and see what THEY are wearing when you get there.You can find trendy things at all price points in my opinion if you look in Zara, H&M,Mango..Then you can bring home something special and not worry so much before hand.That's what I do BrittanyCarolg

As a teenager in the late 80's, Inès was on the cover of every other Vogue; her face will always be that of THE Parisienne: timelessly classy, effortlessly chic. Nice tribute! (Yours, and that of Galeries Lafayette!)

I ionly learned about Ines de la Fressange when I started learning the French language in 2004. French styles has always been easier to copy than those runway trends as they are so much more comfortable and laid-back.

PARIS in yr Mailbox!

♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5 and I'm still at it. Now I live by the Seine on l'Ile Saint-Louis. Do consider subscribing to my Paris letters and maps on Etsy and enjoy a taste of Paris in your mailbox every month to savor with a hot chocolate and croissant. I paint Paris dreams.